ST. LOUIS, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) today announced that it will expand its Leaders in Education program to Colorado, beginning in the 2012-13 school year. The program will cover Routt and Moffat counties, which support Peabody's Twentymile Mine near Steamboat Springs. The Leaders in Education program honors professional educators who inspire students to succeed in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Wyoming, and now Colorado.

Developed in 2009, this program is a testimony to Peabody's longstanding commitment to education in communities where employees live and work. The 2012-13 program is now accepting nominations from members of these communities. A committee of academic, business and civic leaders will review nominations and select honorees anonymously to recognize educators who have helped students achieve their true potential. Each honoree will receive $1,000, and will be considered for a final Educator of the Year honor and a $5,000 award.

"We recognize that quality education, fueled by outstanding educators, is the foundation for strong, safe and healthy communities," said Gregory H. Boyce, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peabody Energy. "Since its inception, the Leaders program has honored 128 educators, and we are excited to continue to grow the program to celebrate those who improve education for the next generation."

The award program is open to educational professionals of public, private and independent schools in designated communities where Peabody Energy employees live and work. Nominations opened Aug. 1, 2012, and may be made at www.PeabodyEnergyLeadersInEducation.org.

Peabody Energy is the world's largest private-sector coal company and a global leader in sustainable mining and clean coal solutions. The company serves metallurgical and thermal coal customers in more than 25 countries on six continents. For further information, go to PeabodyEnergy.com and CoalCanDoThat.com.